How to apply for a tree removal permit in Fort Collins, Colorado

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Fort Collins's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 3-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by City Forester regardless of size. Tree preservation standards apply during Land Use Code review. Heritage / landmark designation: Significant Trees defined under Fort Collins Land Use Code Section 3.2.1 (Landscaping and Tree Protection) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger mitigation calculation and replacement requirements based on condition rating and size; public trees regulated by City Forester regardless of size — Fort Collins's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Fort Collins: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist assessment.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree inventory, species, DBH, condition rating, mitigation calculation, replacement plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Parks Department / City Forester. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.fcgov.com/cityforester/.

    View the full Fort Collins ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Mitigation based on condition rating and size (typically 1:1 to 2:1). On-site replacement preferred; payment to tree mitigation fund when infeasible.

Where to file

Parks Department / City Forester

(970) 221-6660

forestry@fcgov.com

Other Colorado permit walkthroughs

See Colorado replacement obligations compared — how Fort Collins's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Colorado heritage criteria compared — how Fort Collins's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Fort Collins permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Fort Collins's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment